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NDTV
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Exclusive: Inside A 200-Year-Old Havana Bar With The Ghost Of Ernest Hemingway
Sometime in 1960, writer Ernest Hemingway found himself with a bitter pill to swallow. It was the last glass of daiquiri he was downing in his favourite bar in Havana. The communists and their revolution had made it difficult for Hemingway to stay on in Havana, the Cuban capital he had fallen in love with and moved to twenty-one years ago. He had to leave. The Cold War made it inevitable: he had to pick from between US and Cuba, and the writer chose the former. Hemingway left Havana for its mightier neighbour. He went to Idaho but not without a promise: he was going to return to the Havana where he wrote, played, loved and lived. The next year, Hemingway shot himself in the head. A few thousand miles away, Havana mourned Papa, the name it had bestowed on its wayward child. A Birth Anniversary Like Any Other Hemingway, today, is long gone. The classics shelves in bookstores around the world store a thin paperback copy of Old Man And The Sea as birth anniversaries come and go. Everywhere, Hemingway is a memory at best. Not in Havana. The city that Hemingway loved and let crush him, loves him back equally devastatingly. It is a love affair for the ages; one that outlasted all of Hemingway's four marriages put together. The writer first made a stop in Havana on a layover to Spain in 1928. He spent three nights in the city and made up his mind. He was going to return. In 1932, he came to Havana for the second time, and brought along two friends. He stayed at Hotel Ambos Mundos on that visit and walked down a few minutes for a drink. This was going to be the first time Hemingway set foot in a bar called El Floridita. He did not know that he was to change the history of that bar with that visit. The Most Famous Landmark In Havana Ask anyone in Havana the address of El Floridita. A seven-minute walk from the Capitol, down a boulevard lined with colourful vintage Fords and Chevrolets, you'll bump into the occasional beggar asking you for a dollar. Men in bright-yellow scooped-out coconut-shell-shaped taxis wait for a ride. A toothless grin follows if you ask them for directions to Hemingway's favourite bar in the whole wide world; and there you have it: the Cuban revolution anthem Guantanamera performed by the band Quinteto D'Amore bellowing out of the glass doors, bowtied bartenders ruffling up rows after rows of syrupy-sweet daiquiris, and patrons lining up for a 'Hemingway Special'. You have entered El Floridita. You are expected to know why you are at the bar when you're at the bar. El Floridita holds the hype for being one of the most famous bars in the world. No trip to Havana is complete without it. No trip to Cuba is complete without it. A Seat For Papa Once you're done taking in the mixologist's dance to your right, your eyes go left. There, a life-size bronze statue by Jose Villa Soberon of Cuba's most famous expat sits at the bar. Meet Ernest Hemingway; world-famous writer and mad lover of Havana. The Hemingway corner is the most famous spot at the mahogany table. You'll find a queue of patrons waiting to throw their arms around Papa, as their friends go clickety-click on their phones. There are framed photos of Hemingway with a host of personalities. The one with Fidel Castro mid-conversation is arguably the most popular. The Birthplace Of Daiquiri All of it is a moment for Instagram. Hemingway might have scoffed it off but El Floridita is happy cashing in on it. A Hemingway Special daiquiri is the most expensive cocktail at the bar. While a regular daiquiri in the land of rum would cost you INR 350, Hemingway's favourite will set you back by double the amount. Price inclusive of history and Hemingway. El Floridita is the bar where the daiquiri was invented. In 1914, Catalan immigrant Constantino Ribalaigua Vert moved to the bar as its bartender. Four years later he bought the place. In 1931, the experimenter that Constantino - 'Constante' to his guests - was, he created the daiquiri. Rum cocktails were his favourite. A year later, the fame of Floridita's daiquiris brought Hemingway to Constance. The writer wasn't disappointed. His daiquiri was special. It helped his pen flow, as it did deal with difficult people. Hemingway, a diabetic, had his daiquiri sugarless. Today at El Floridita, you find a Hemingway Special the same way; except for the sugar. You need to ask if you want it the way Hemingway had. Hemingway's Havana In 1939, Ernest Hemingway moved lock stock and barrel to Havana with his third wife, Martha Gellhorn. The couple bought a 'lookout farm' in Havana the following year. Finca Vigia was home to the Hemingways and a dozen cats that shared the place with them. The Third Mrs Hemingway soon made way for the fourth, but the writer's love for daiquiris stayed constant. Hemingway regularly drove down the half-hour way from his home to El Floridita for the drink. Posing with Papa. Photo: Author When the daiquiri hits you, Quinteto D'Amore sings out Guantanamera at the top of their voices, busy patrons jostle for a space next to Papa's bronze statue... you might catch Hemingway winking. This is his Havana. This is the Havana he loved. Now you too know why.
Business Upturn
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Upturn
UPDATE: A1 AUTOMOTIVE TO CELEBRATE SECOND STORE OPENING ON MAY 23
Lincoln, Nebraska, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — City officials, commissioners and Lincoln Chamber of Commerce representatives will celebrate the opening of A1 Automotive's second store location at noon on Friday, May 23, at 52nd and Yankee Hill. 'We are full of gratitude as we expand our services and support to the automotive industry in a bigger capacity to the city's southside,' said owner and founder Kendall Warnock. 'Small businesses are the engines of local economies, creating jobs, fostering innovation and contributing to the very fabric of our great City. My family and I are very grateful to be in this space and make an impact in our community.' The full-service, local family-owned automotive repair shop, specializes in all makes and models, including EVs, Hybrids, Porshe's, Land Rovers, Chevrolets, Hondas and preparing for Hydrogen as an energy source, has been providing personalized service for the past 15 years throughout Lincoln and have customers driving from Council Bluffs, Iowa and Marysville, Kansas. The new location at 5110 State Hill Drive will also offer free meeting space in a new on-site Community Room, which can be used at no cost for HOA meetings, business meetings, family gatherings or Birthday parties. In honor of the new store opening, A-1 will be offering through July 31 $25 off any service over $300; $50 over $500; and $75 over $750. The store will also be giving away 55 free oil changes and $30 oil changes through July 1. 'My wife, Desiree, I and our three children are grateful to see the positive effect that our business has had on the automotive repair industry through the years and with the addition of this new location, that service is even more enhanced,' he said. 'We understand the importance of caring for others, nothing matters much more to me then taking care of as many people in this community that we can, and sometimes; that is outside of the automotive repair industry.' Warnock is quick to credit his parents for the work ethic instilled in him as a young man growing up in Rosalie, on the Omaha Indian Reservation. 'We really didn't know what money was, we had food, and a warm home and kitchen sink to brush our teeth,' Warnock said. 'But my parents taught me about hard work at their own two-stall garage and filling station. Through them I learned that caring for others is our first priority and that will never change until my time on earth is up' To learn more about A1 Automotive, or to schedule an appointment, please visit Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
A1 AUTOMOTIVE TO CELEBRATE SECOND STORE OPENING ON MAY 30
Lincoln, Nebraska, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- City officials, commissioners and Lincoln Chamber of Commerce representatives will celebrate the opening of A1 Automotive's second store location at noon on Friday, May 30, at 52nd and Yankee Hill. 'We are full of gratitude as we expand our services and support to the automotive industry in a bigger capacity to the city's southside,' said owner and founder Kendall Warnock. 'Small businesses are the engines of local economies, creating jobs, fostering innovation and contributing to the very fabric of our great city. My family and I are very grateful to be in this space and make an impact in our community.' The full-service, local-family-owned automotive repair shop specializes in all makes and models, including EVs, hybrids, Porsches, Land Rovers, Chevrolets and Hondas. They are also preparing to introduce customers to hydrogen-powered vehicles. A1 Automotive has been providing personalized service for the past 15 years throughout Lincoln and has customers driving from Council Bluffs, Iowa and Marysville, Kansas. The new location at 5110 State Hill Drive will also offer free meeting space in a new on-site Community Room, which can be used at no cost for HOA meetings, business meetings, family gatherings or birthday parties. In honor of the new store opening, A1 Automotive will be offering from now through July 31, 2025, $25 off any service over $300; $50 over $500; and $75 over $750. The store will also be giving away 55 free oil changes and $30 oil changes through July 1, 2025. 'My wife, Desiree, I and our three children are grateful to see the positive effect that our business has had on the automotive repair industry through the years and with the addition of this new location, that service is even more enhanced,' he said. 'We understand the importance of caring for others. Nothing matters more to me than taking care of as many people in this community that we can, and sometimes that is outside of the automotive repair industry.' Warnock is quick to credit his parents for the work ethic instilled in him as a young man growing up in Rosalie, on the Omaha Indian Reservation. 'We really didn't know what money was. We had food and a warm home and kitchen sink to brush our teeth,' Warnock said. 'But my parents taught me about hard work at their own two-stall garage and filling station. Through them I have learned that caring for others is our top priority and that will never change until my time on earth is up.' To learn more about A1 Automotive, or to schedule an appointment, please visit CONTACT: Kendall Warnock A1 Automotive 402.477.4660 kendall@
Daily Tribune
11-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Tribune
Trump vs Toyota?
With their sleek curves and chrome grilles, the classic American cars on sale at Yosuke Fukuda's yard ooze Californian cool but on Japanese roads new US vehicles are a rare sight -- much to President Donald Trump's annoyance. Japan's Toyota is the second-top-selling automaker in the United States, where it shifted more than 2.3 million vehicles last year. Meanwhile US industry leader General Motors sold just 587 Chevrolets and 449 Cadillacs in Japan, while Ford pulled out of the tough Japanese market nearly a decade ago. And it's not just an aversion to foreign brands -- in 2024 Mercedes-Benz sold more than 53,000 vehicles and BMW sold over 52,000 including Minis. "They don't take our cars, but we take MILLIONS of theirs!" Trump said in April, accusing Japan of treating its ally "very poorly on trade". To try and rev up the US auto industry, Trump has imposed a 25 percent levy on imported vehicles, in a major blow to Tokyo. Many people in Japan admire vintage US cars, but when it comes to new wheels, they hold more trust in domestic brands, Fukuda told AFP. West Coast hip-hop booms out at his shop Y-Tech, an incongruous slice of Americana amid the rice paddies north of Tokyo. "To be honest I think the problem is the size of the roads," as well as an impression that US cars break down more often, which is likely unfounded, Fukuda said. At his garage, the 20 or so classic US models in varying states of restoration include a silver-green 1970 Chevrolet Nova and a 1954 Buick Roadmaster. But Fukuda also drives a modern SUV -- a General Motors Yukon, which is two metres (6.5 feet) wide and "sticks out or is packed in" when parked in Tokyo's narrow streets. Although some US cars are smaller, the brands remain a niche choice because "there are hardly any places that sell them or repair them", he said. 'Bowling ball test' Yuka Fujimoto, a 42-year-old modelling agency manager, told AFP she had never considered buying a US car. "American cars don't sell very well" in Japan, where domestic automakers offer "a wide range of line-ups including for families", she said. However Trump believes Japan is keeping out American cars with "non-tariff cheating". This includes "Protective Technical Standards (Japan's bowling ball test)" he wrote last month on Truth Social. "They take a bowling ball from 20 feet up in the air and they drop it on the hood of the car. And if the hood dents, then the car doesn't qualify," Trump reportedly elaborated in 2018. A Japanese transport ministry official in charge of safety standards told AFP that no actual bowling balls are used. Trump "may be mixing it up with a test where a hemispherical human head model is hit on the hood", the official said. But the car's bonnet is in fact required to dent to absorb the impact, he explained. Tweaking Japan's vehicle import procedures is a potential bargaining chip for Tokyo in tariff talks with Washington. The country could offer to widen access to a simplified screening process which currently applies to 5,000 vehicles per model annually, Japanese media reports said.
Straits Times
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Straits Times
Trump versus Toyota? Why US cars are a rare sight in Japan
American cars with Californian cool are rare on Japanese roads, much to US President Donald Trump's annoyance. PHOTO: AFP Trump versus Toyota? Why US cars are a rare sight in Japan FUKAYA, Japan – With their sleek curves and chrome grilles, the classic American cars on sale at Mr Yosuke Fukuda's yard ooze Californian cool. But on Japanese roads, new US vehicles are a rare sight – much to American President Donald Trump's annoyance. Japan's Toyota is the second-top-selling carmaker in the United States, where it shifted more than 2.3 million vehicles in 2024. Meanwhile, US industry leader General Motors sold just 587 Chevrolets and 449 Cadillacs in Japan, while Ford pulled out of the tough Japanese market nearly a decade ago. And it is not just an aversion to foreign brands. In 2024, Mercedes-Benz sold more than 53,000 vehicles and BMW sold over 52,000, including Minis. 'They don't take our cars, but we take millions of theirs,' Mr Trump said in April, accusing Japan of treating its ally 'very poorly on trade'. To try and rev up the US auto industry, Mr Trump has imposed a 25 per cent levy on imported vehicles, in a major blow to Tokyo. Many people in Japan admire vintage US cars, but when it comes to new wheels, they put more trust in domestic brands, said Mr Fukuda. West Coast hip-hop booms out at his shop Y-Tech, an incongruous slice of Americana amid the rice paddies north of Tokyo. 'To be honest, I think the problem is the size of the roads', as well as an impression that US cars break down more often, which is likely unfounded, Mr Fukuda said. At his garage, the 20 or so classic US models in varying states of restoration include a silver-green 1970 Chevrolet Nova and a 1954 Buick Roadmaster. But Mr Fukuda also drives a modern sport utility vehicle – a General Motors Yukon, which is 2m wide and 'sticks out or is packed in' when parked in Tokyo's narrow streets. Although some US cars are smaller, the brands remain a niche choice because 'there are hardly any places that sell them or repair them', he said. Mr Yosuke Fukuda, owner of US car dealer Y-Tech, drives a 1954 Buick Roadmaster from his company in Fukaya in Saitama prefecture. PHOTO: AFP Safety standards Ms Yuka Fujimoto, a 42-year-old modelling agency manager, said she had never considered buying a US car. 'American cars don't sell very well' in Japan, where domestic carmakers offer 'a wide range of line-ups, including for families', she said. However, Mr Trump believes Japan is keeping out American cars with 'non-tariff cheating'. This includes 'Protective Technical Standards (Japan's bowling ball test)', he wrote on Truth Social in April. 'They take a bowling ball from 20 feet up in the air and they drop it on the hood of the car. And if the hood dents, then the car doesn't qualify,' Mr Trump reportedly elaborated in 2018. A Japanese transport ministry official in charge of safety standards told AFP that no actual bowling balls are used. Mr Trump 'may be mixing it up with a test where a hemispherical human head model is hit on the hood', the official said. But the car's bonnet is, in fact, required to dent to absorb the impact, he explained. Tweaking Japan's vehicle import procedures is a potential bargaining chip for Tokyo in tariff talks with Washington. The country could offer to widen access to a simplified screening process which currently applies to 5,000 vehicles per model annually, Japanese media reports said. Fuel efficiency Mr Trump's auto tariffs have already brought some changes, with Nissan in April revising plans to reduce US production. Meanwhile, Honda is moving production of its hybrid Civic model from Japan to the US , saying no 'single issue' had prompted the decision. But US carmakers still face the problem of tepid demand among Japanese consumers. Mr Hisashi Uchida, a 56-year-old construction firm employee, said his Toyota car 'doesn't have any special features, but it doesn't break down'. 'Many US cars can't be parked at multi-storey carparks and their fuel efficiency isn't good,' he added. Mr Masamitsu Misawa, chief editor of Japanese vehicle magazine Car Top, said: 'I don't think US carmakers are really putting importance on the Japanese market, which is significantly smaller than their home market.' In contrast, German car brands offer a better range and their designs 'better match Japanese people's tastes', he added. Cars in Japan drive on the left, and unlike US rivals, European carmakers usually put the steering wheel on the correct side for vehicles sold there, he added. That could be changing. General Motors' eighth-generation Chevrolet Corvette has right-hand drive in Japan for the first time. 'That reflects efforts (for selling in Japan) by manufacturers and importers,' Mr Misawa said. AFP Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
